Doomsday earthquake hits Japan! Tragic death of 18 people, search for lives still going on in the debris

The extremely powerful earthquake of 7.1 magnitude that occurred in the south-western part of Japan has caused huge devastation all around. According to news agency PTI, so far 18 people have been confirmed dead due to this terrible disaster in Kumamoto province, while 62 people have been seriously injured. The situation is so serious that the condition of 6 of the injured remains very critical. The administration says that rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing, and it is feared that the death toll may increase further.

Search for loved ones continues in the debris

Since the earthquake tremors stopped, the army and emergency relief teams have been continuously searching for people buried under the debris. In this natural disaster, many houses have collapsed like cards, while a big shopping mall has also been badly damaged. According to the local administration, it is not yet clear how many people are missing under the debris.

The electricity and water systems have completely collapsed due to the earthquake. Electricity has been cut off in about 34,900 houses, while drinking water supply has stopped in about 15,000 houses. More than 8,800 people made homeless have been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in more than 400 relief camps. The government is working rapidly to deliver relief material to the affected areas.

Mall and factory accidents increased the sorrow

During this accident at Aeon Mall in Kashima city, four people have been confirmed dead and three people are still reported missing. Apart from this, a major accident occurred at the Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro, where five employees lost their lives when the factory chimney collapsed. Thankfully, seven people were taken out safely, but four other employees are still feared trapped inside.

PM Sane Takaichi gave strict instructions

After this devastation in the country, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, taking stock of the situation, said that many people are still trapped in the debris and every minute is very precious at this time. He has given strict instructions to all the relief and rescue agencies to intensify the search operation. The government is continuously delivering food, water and other essential items to the affected areas. The Prime Minister has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and also appealed to the people to take special care of their health in this scorching and hot summer season.

Painful memories of 2016 refreshed

Bullet train services have been halted for the time being as a precautionary measure following the earthquake, although some limited flights have been resumed from Aso Kumamoto Airport. Let us tell you that Kumamoto is the same area which had to suffer a devastating earthquake in the year 2016, in which more than 50 people lost their lives. This dangerous earthquake has once again posed a huge challenge to Japan’s geographical sensitivity and disaster management.